An enduring way to embellish upholstery and textiles.
Tufting is a 3-dimensional pattern – usually a diamond grid – made by sewing down center points and fixing them with decoration.
Covered buttons have been used as anchors since tufting came popular in the mid-19th century and on deeply-tufted upholstery they are kept small. Pillows can take large fabric- or gimp- covered buttons or even a homey one made of horn as these sit gently on the surface. Decorative stitches are found most often on textiles. The pick stitch, a small cross, is used on quilts and French mattresses while the knotted tuft made with several embroidery threads makes a pretty treatment for bedspreads. Different qualities of the buttons and stitches serve various styles.
Buttons also help emphasize furniture features or shapes. The most famous buttoned up sofa is England’s leather Chesterfield, first designed in the 1880s with tufts almost two inches deep.
While deep-button-tufting is clearly traditional, shallow or float buttons were used in 1929 on Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona ottoman.
Buttons helped to define furniture throughout the remainder of the 20th century, as seen on this rare 1940s era chair by Guillerme et Chambron. Even the contemporary chaise longue, or fainting couch [top], gets heaps of style from the tufted pattern and texture.
A contemporary silk quilt from Restoration Hardware uses contrasting fabric- covered buttons to create an elegant effect without much pillowing.
Pick stitches are simple and well suited to this vintage-washed Belgian linen quilt (again, Restoration Hardware) which has a country or rustic look. I would love to hack this one with handmade tassel tufts using multiple strands of embroidery thread finished by graceful knots.
Oh, what a fun article! I’m madly in love with Chesterfields and am looking for one for my LR now. So elegant and comfortable-looking at the same time.
I once pick-stitched a quilt with one colour knotted on one side, and another stitch crossing it and knotted the other side. I loved it – wonder where it went?!
I like the RH bedding–would work well in my house!
Would love to see a pick stitch quilt with contrasting. I’ve been drooling over those for a long time but don’t really need one.
Robin, your house is looking so great with all the black and white and sleek accessories.
Thanks Jane! I had black and cream in mind for the FR for ages–so happy to finally see it (and have it!) IRL!
I was actually just thinking of using buttons on my duvet to keep the covers in line (buttonholes in the covers that go on buttons on the duvet), which would create a tufted look. I wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea, so it’s great to see that RH quilt example. The pick stitch comforter looks so… comfy!